2017-18 Raptors Season Preview Panel, Part Two

At long last, the NBA is back. Enough of the much-too-long preseason, enough of the training camp storylines, manufactured or otherwise, enough of speaking in hypotheticals. The season is here very shortly, which means all that’s left to check off the preseason To Do List is our annual staff roundtable. All of our player previews can be found here. Part one of our roundtable went up earlier, part two is below. Let’s get these 2017-18 buckets.

Note: Predictions were made before the injury to Gordon Hayward in the season opener, which I would imagine shifts them significantly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PJt6nH3BHc

6. OG Anunoby. Are you all in yet, or what??

William Lou: How could you be anything but hype after that 12-point explosion against Bulls rookie Lauri ILOVEMAKONNEN??? But seriously, OG looks ahead of schedule in every way. His Wolverine-esque recovery from a torn ACL is extremely encouraging, and his basketball IQ has been stellar for a rookie that played so few games in college. He’s only going to get even better once his body is back to 100 percent because if you’ve ever seen him dunk, you’d know there’s still a few more gears left for him to reach.

Matt Shantz: Unreasonably so. My love for OG is true and pure. He is the future and could be the present. I was high on him before the draft (even with his injury I had him ranked at 9 in the draft) and he is showing things in preseason I didn’t anticipating seeing this early in his development. Great feel for the game, a willingness to try his shot, and very encouraging instincts for ball movement.

Vivek Jacob: His progression from a health standpoint alone is shocking. I don’t think anyone expected to see him out on the court in preseason when he was drafted, let alone look as good as he did. I didn’t realize he already possesses a decent handle, makes good passes at his position, and overall — unlike another small forward on the roster that has been waited on to develop — just plays like he belongs.

Louis Zatzman: He can pass too, now? Damn I’m in!

Tamberlyn Richardson: I’m ALL IN! If you recall my early buy-in to Norman POW POW Powell and Pascal Siakam I’m equally giddy about OG’s potential. In the little we know of him there are already similarities to specific qualities in others I respect. He has DeRozan’s work ethic and commitment to improvement, a vernacular and propensity to address reporters like Kawhi Leonard (jokes), and his body looks NBA ready. He’s appears humble, is a sponge who demonstrates quick uptake on lessons learned and in the few words he has said seems driven to succeed (read: show the teams who passed on him at the draft what they missed out on). Bottom line – I was so thrilled to see DeMarre Carroll’s exit I’ll be quite happy to deal with OG’s rookie mistakes because I’m already more confident in his ability and potential.

Sahal Abdi: Mood.

Joshua Howe: I’m. All. In. We’ve already been spoiled getting to see OG play in a preseason game (since we weren’t sure he’d necessarily be back on the floor for the entire season), and he was impressive, to say the least. He’s long and smooth, and he showed off some excellent footwork. I can’t wait to see what he’ll become.

Shyam Baskaran: ALL IN BABY. I already love the kid’s work ethic. After working his way back from an ACL injury in less than 10 months, which speaks volumes about his attitude and overall conditioning, he’s already shown some flashes of brilliance. The outside shooting against Chicago was obviously something that stood out, but what’s impressed me the most has been his timely passing and court-vision. If he’s going to be from that “Draymond Green” mould, he needs to be a point-forward type of player (that’s active defensively and can hit 3’s). I honestly think this style of play can make huge contributions to the team, even in his first year. No doubt about it for me.

Alex Gres: Indubitably.

Katie Heindl: Alllllmost.

Scott Hastie: *Extreme OG-during-an-interview voice* yeah.

Tim Chisholm: Anunoby has shown flashes of so many good things in his three preseason games, it’s hard not to get excited. Of course, in those games he was replacing the putrid minutes offered by Bruno in games one and two, so it’s hard not to look exceptional by comparison. Still, his feel for the game at both ends belied his age, and that is a very promising sign for a team that needs significant inexpensive help this year.

Blake Murphy: Let me preface this with a reminder: Most rookies are bad. Expecting a rookie, however good, to contribute to a 50-win team is a risky proposition. Learning the NBA takes time and repetitions, and even the most NBA-ready of players usually take a year or two to start making a positive impact on a winning team. With that said: I couldn’t be more all-in if Masai Ujiri had just split an oreo in front of his face. I was high on him entering the draft, thrilled he slid to the Raptors, and have only been encouraged by his recovery timeline and obvious feel for the game (particularly for how spacing works on offense). It’ll take time for him to grow to where he’s regularly contributing, sure, but the team can afford to bring him along slowly this year, anyway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GXH7bahBfV8

7. Jonas Valanciunas is entering his sixth season. His role has stagnated the last few years despite evidence he could perhaps handle a larger workload, at least on offense. He looked great in camp. What are your expectations for Valanciunas this year, and did you catch that this question is copy-and-pasted from the last four preseason roundtables verbatim?

William Lou: Same as it ever was. Valanciunas needs to be physical and active enough to make up for his substandard instincts on defense, while capitalizing on the limited opportunities given to him depending on the matchup. Giving him the ball more in the middle of the floor isn’t going to dramatically change anything for either Valanciunas nor the offense until he becomes a lethal shooter or a smart decision maker.

Matt Shantz: I’m done expecting a breakout season for Jonas, but still believe he has positive value. A more pass-happy offense should mean less post-ups and more getting Jonas the ball on the roll, and a lighter Jonas can hopefully make him less of a minus on defense.

Vivek Jacob: MVJ. Seeing his trade value diminish last season after arguably peaking in the 2016 playoffs was rough. I thought the Raptors may have missed on their best chance to get value for him then, but again, the new offense gives me hope that there are wrinkles to Valanciunas’s game that we are yet to see. His usage at the top of the circle and the confidence they’re showing in him to make those decisions is encouraging, and that seems to have injected more life into the other parts of the game. This may yet be the most valuable version of Jonas.

Louis Zatzman: I’m a big believer in JV changing, just like I was last year, and the year before that, and the year before that… I even just wrote an article about it!

Tamberlyn Richardson: I’ve spent the better portion of the truncated preseason trying to determine what happened to spark the growth we’ve witnessed. Is it simply the commitment to more ball movement? Is it the proverbial light switch they speak of finally turning on? Did moving him to the bench in the Bucks series or trade rumors inspire him? Perhaps it’s not even JV, but DeRozan and Powell’s efforts to involve him more. All I know is the improvements were palpable (on both ends) and I hope they continue into the regular season. His goal should be 15 to 17 ppg, 10 rpg, 1 to 1.5 bpg (and at least 1 to 1.5 assists would be a bonus). All this to end up saying Serge Ibaka is better suited to play the center and Jakob Poeltl has the size and more desirable contract. So… the better JV performs will it precipitate his departure in order for Masai Ujiri to either shed salary or add another PJ Tucker type player?

Sahal Abdi: My honest expectations for JV are that his role and minutes will be similar to his career arc (25-28 minutes a game) so long as he buys into the new offensive system. He can still be a wildly productive player for Toronto and does some very good things for them offensively. Like usual with JV, the defensive part is what needs to be improved. He probably won’t see many 4th quarter minutes with Casey regularly going small, however JV should make it a mission to dominate every time he’s on the floor. If only he could face Drummond for 82 games straight.

Joshua Howe: Admittedly, I didn’t have very high expectations for Valanciunas coming into the preseason. But hey, he’s looked fantastic! The most pleasantly surprising thing has been how quickly he’s bought into the culture reset, and how focused he is on hustling off-ball and making smarter passes. I’m not sure his numbers dramatically improve in any way this season, but I think he could do some real additional damage if he continues to pass the way he’s shown he’s capable of.

Shyam Baskaran: It’s a bit sad to say, but until I’m proven otherwise, I kind of expect the same things from JV. Not trying to anger the #JVHive or knock him at all, but I think his game is what it is; and his strengths are going to remain somewhat consistent throughout his career. Some improvements we may see are a game that stretches beyond the three-point line a few times, with a more passing-focused offense. But his “good games” will probably look similar to what we’ve seen in the past – games where he goes 18 and 10, with 4 offensive rebounds, feasting on weaker front-court players (or Andre Drummond).

Alex Gres: I’ve lowered JV’s ceiling in my mind to his performance last year. While he looks more fit and mobile right now, I still see small guards unafraid to take the ball all the way inside and finish around his outstretched arms. I’ll keep my expectations low, and any improvement over last season will be a success in my books.

Katie Heindl: Strange haircuts, a pump fake so solid you could build a home on it, intense victory gestures, and hopefully way more than those things combined.

Scott Hastie: Based on preseason, I expect Valanciunas to continue rebounding at an elite level, make quick decisions on offence, and set solid screens. I think he takes a step forward this year and becomes less of a lightning rod for the Raptor community.

Tim Chisholm: I expect Valanciuans to be the player that many of us thought he was going to be last year, in terms of production. Fortunately, though, both he and the team seem to have come to a consensus that to get there he’ll need to up his activity level, his passing, and his awareness on the court. In preseason he’s done all of those things and really impressed along the way. You’ll know that Valanciunas has turned a corner when the talks of the Raptors trading him quiet back down.

Blake Murphy: I think I more or less covered the Valanciunas situation here, but quickly: He’s always been a fine player in the defined role he’s played, and arguments about him have always been a larger philosophical basketball debate than really about Valanciunas. I think he’ll respond well to being more dynamically involved, but his numbers will turn out basically the same (give or take two points and a rebound). If the extra touches help keep him more engaged on defense, to the point that he can close some games, then that’s an awesome byproduct.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHVHQgOSERw

8. Which of the team’s other young players are you looking forward to seeing this year? Or rather, who’s your breakout candidate, if there is one?

William Lou: Delon Wright will be an established player after this season. He’s already the most clever passer on the team, and the 6-foot-6 guard can defend multiple positions which will make him a favorite of Casey’s. If he can make enough outside shots to keep the offense afloat or be more aggressive in the paint, Wright will make us forget all about Cory Joseph.

Matt Shantz: I’ve already raved about OG and Poeltl is at least partially blocked by Jonas/Serge, which leaves Delon Wright as the obvious pick. He can defend multiple positions, can slither his way into the paint, and has a great feel for passing. No Cory and the need to limit minutes for Lowry will mean Delon will get every opportunity to show what he’s got. I expect him to deliver.

Vivek Jacob: I’m looking forward to seeing Delon Wright in the role he was supposed to have a couple of years ago. Injuries have curtailed his growth some, but he’s got a golden opportunity in front of him to cement himself as the backup point guard and show his value in defending multiple positions. I think having Fred VanVleet (probably a backup for a bunch of teams) will provide a healthy competition that will push Wright to be at his best every night.

Louis Zatzman: – I like the young guys a lot, so I’m going to cheat. I’m most looking forward to seeing a bench mob of youths mugging guys on D, running the floor, and playing weirdo basketball in general. Gimme Van Vleet, Wright, and Siakam in small doses!

Tamberlyn Richardson: As mentioned I’m a big fan of the duo reserve backcourt and like the yin-yang qualities they provide. Wright brings length, a herky-jerky motion and defensive abilities while VanVleet (my Kyle Lowry clone – and hey I called him that first – 2 years ago during Summer League!) is streamlined with the same bulldog type personality, change of pace and ability to either hit from distance or drive. Both have the ability to captain the offense and VanVleet in particular plays with a calmness beyond his years. VanVleet will likely produce the larger stat totals, but I think Wright may have a greater impact on wins (key steals, deflections or defense which alters games). This question is tough for me because I like all the Raptors youngsters. I can envision each of them (JV, Powell, Wright, VanVleet, Siakam, Poeltl and even Bebe) registering notable improvements. Consistency will be the key goal for each of them.

Sahal Abdi: I already mentioned Delon as the player I’m most excited to follow this season but I genuinely hope Pascal Siakam gets a shot to prove his worth this season. I see him as a 2Pat prototype in the sense that he’s frenetic defensively, does all the dirty work and hopefully can hit the occasional three. It’s clear he’s WAY too good for the 905. Here’s to hoping he carves out a worthwhile role this season.

Joshua Howe: My breakout candidate is definitely Norman Powell, but other than him I think I’m most interested in watching Delon Wright. I love his energy on defense, and this will be the first time he’ll really get to set the tone as the backup point guard. If he can continue to improve his shooting, he could become a real weapon alongside Powell and make for a dynamic second unit backcourt.

Shyam Baskaran: I’ve got a couple. First, probably Delon Wright. I expect him to take on the backup role very well. He’s already shown the ability to be a spot-up shooter on occasion, so if he can continue to develop that outside stroke, it will complement his already-strong passing and driving game beautifully. His defense is obviously something I’m excited to see as well. Second, I’ve got Fred VanVleet as a potential breakout player. Yes, he’s a third-stringer, but in any sort of injury scenario to Lowry or Delon (God forbid), I can see FVV raising a lot of eyebrows. His offensive toughness, outside stroke, and mistake-free style of play will always be welcome.

Alex Gres: OG has all the attention, Wright and Powell will get a boatload of minutes, but I’ve been quietly impressed with Fred VanVleet so far in the preseason. He is continuing on the path to becoming something of a Lowry clone, using a strong core and nifty moves to finish around the rim. I would really like to see him shepherd bench units alongside Delon now and again, providing Lowry with valuable rest.

Katie Heindl: Angel on this earth, Fred VanVleet.

Scott Hastie: Delon Wright. His craft in the pick and roll is exciting and could crush opposing bench units littered with young guys.

Tim Chisholm: Delon Wright is the easy choice, because the team sent Cory Joseph to Indiana to clear space for him. He’ll get minutes and tons of time with the ball to prove his value to the team. However, my breakout candidate is OG. The team has a tremendous need for size on the wing, and he’ll be given every opportunity to be that guy. I see him as a fringe candidate for an All-Rookie team this year, which would be amazing on a team looking to go to the East Finals this year.

Blake Murphy: Everyone else answered Wright, and I think everyone’s pretty well aware that I’ve been optimistic about him for some time. And I can’t really steal Katie’s gimmick by fawning over VanVleet’s poise, savvy, and shooting. So I’ll go off-board and say Malcolm Miller, an intriguing 3-and-D prospect who might be the best player on Raptors 905 and who could figure into the forward rotation if injuries strike (he can spend up to 45 days on the NBA roster during the G-League season). He’s long, bouncy, and has been terrific all preseason in shooting drills as he works his way back from offseason ankle surgery.

ICYMI – @BlakeMurphyODC is stopping by r/torontoraptors for an #AMA tomorrow at 7:00 pm EST! #comethru #WeTheNorth https://t.co/s7zsS30tJE pic.twitter.com/B2BLTg9Vgx

— Not active – Unfollow (@raptorsreddit) October 17, 2017

9. What is your biggest concern about the Raptors as currently constructed?

William Lou: Not enough 3-point shooting. This new style fits the modern game but only if their players can make shots. Otherwise, they’re still at their best when Lowry and DeRozan have the ball. Knock on wood, but one injury to either Miles, Lowry, or Ibaka would really force the Raptors to adapt their offense.

Matt Shantz: Health. While I am high on the Raptors’ youthful bench, I’m less high on a team that has Delon Wright as their starting point-guard or Pascal Siakam as the starting power forward for any significant stretch of time. The Raptors are deep on talent but short on top-end talent.

Vivek Jacob: The bench, especially the depth at the big positions. Jakob Poeltl, at times unfairly, struggled with foul trouble last year and it’s important that he’s able to stay on the floor for longer stretches and more important minutes this year. Pascal Siakam’s defense in the half-court is another concern. His game looks great when the Raptors are getting up and down but he does seem to get lost as opponents run through their sets and different counters. The one big question about role players in general is how their game travels. With so much inexperience in the second unit, I am a bit skeptical that these kids will be able to carry over on the road what I expect to be adequate home performances.

Louis Zatzman: That defense is going to be as shaky as an old tire swing in an abandoned house’s yard. Forget about Lebron, can anyone guard Gordon Hayward? Bradley Beal? James Johnson? Yeesh…

Tamberlyn Richardson: As high as I am on OG, it felt like the exit of PJ Tucker and Patterson put the Raptors back in the same boat which was not having a forward or player who could defend LeBron James and other big forwards. OG will hopefully grow into a player who can manage that responsibility. And, I know the Raptors may take a step back initially, particularly on defense and possibly their bench. But, I’d rather develop our youth than not utilize them and enter the postseason with a healthy and rested Lowry and DeRozan.

Sahal Abdi: Sadly, the bench. The starting lineup has clearly improved from last season. Collectively, the Raptors bench doesn’t have a veteran presence (maybe that becomes CJ Kilometres) that can steer the ship when they things go awry. Also, it’s well documented that young players aren’t nearly the same caliber away from home as they are in their own domain. The early west coast trip will tell us a lot about the readiness of this bench.

Joshua Howe: For this season? The baby-faced second unit. Don’t get me wrong, I really like all of the young players on the team, and I think that a lot of them will eventually be really good. But it’s worrisome when you thrust a bunch of young guys into the fire after they’ve seen few minutes in their NBA careers and expect them to perform at a high level. We know what the starting lineup is. Can the young guns consistently hold their own?

Shyam Baskaran: I’m a bit concerned about our bench as an overall unit. Given the youth we’re relying on after the departure of 4 solid veterans, I expect a lot of inconsistent nights from guys like Anunoby, Siakam, Bebe, Poeltl, and possibly even Norm. Given the minute-usage of Lowry and DeRozan in past seasons, the Raptors late-season hopes may rest upon the bench to able to give those guys consistent rest throughout the season.

Alex Gres: No real concern. As currently constructed, they’re not a real threat to win a chip, but they’ll be both competitive and entertaining with the current core of starters and youth, making the playoffs and hopefully getting past the first round. If Tucker had signed, I would say the summer went perfectly, but as it happened, it was probably a blessing in disguise, giving Casey and Ujiri the chance to really evaluate (always and forever Masai’s WhatsApp status) their young pieces, allowing for development in a competitive setting.

Katie Heindl: Where does Fred fit and for how many exact minutes? Also continuing to function as a team with a giant black hole for a defensive strategy—so far it’s kept us relatively stable but when will we get sucked in?!

Scott Hastie: A volume three-point shooting team that lacks three-point makers. I understand the math behind the philosophy change, but I worry that our personnel won’t work out.

Tim Chisholm: I worry that they are just so mentally damaged about the Playoffs that no matter what they do in the regular season, they can’t get past their own history in the postseason. All eyes are on them in round one to see if they can just play four strong games of basketball, and they wilt under that pressure every year, even when they win the series. They are making strides towards diversifying their style and rotations, but I don’t know that it’s going to matter come April.

Blake Murphy: The downside of all of this exciting youth is that the team’s depth is entirely unproven. It’s a necessary gamble for financial reasons and for trying to find some upside as a second-tier team in a capped-out environment, and it’s a strategy I’m entirely on-board with from a philosophical perspective. But it carries risk, and the Raptors are a less certain bet to withstand an injury to either of their All-Stars or one of their key wing pieces than they were in the past.

10. How many wins will the Raptors finish with? More importantly, will they make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals?